Impact of Robertsonian translocation on meiosis and reproduction: an impala (Aepyceros melampus) model

The captive bred animal populations showing centric fusion polymorphism can serve as a model for analysis of the impact of the rearrangement on meiosis and reproduction. The synapsis of homologous chromosomes and the frequency and distribution of meiotic recombination events were studied in pachytene spermatocytes of captive bred male impalas (Aepyceros melampus) polymorphic for der(14;20) by immunofluorescent analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The chromosomes 14 and 20 involved in the centric fusion were significantly shorter due to the loss of sat I repeats indicating ancient origin of the rearrangement. The fused chromosome and the normal acrocentric chromosomes 14 and 20 formed trivalent in pachynema which showed either protruding proximal ends of the acrocentric chromosomes or single axis with synaptic adjustment in the pericentromeric region. There was no significant difference in the number of recombination events per cell between the group of translocation heterozygotes and the animals with normal karyotype. A significant reduction in the number of recombination events was observed in the trivalent chromosomes compared to the normal chromosomes 14 and 20. The level of the recombination reduction was related to the trivalent configuration. The centric fusion der(14;20) was not apparently demonstrated by any spermatogenic defects or reproductive impairment in heterozygous impalas. However, the high incidence of the chromosomal polymorphism within the captive bred population shows the importance of cytogenetic examinations in captive breeding and wildlife conservation programs, especially in the case of reintroduction of the endangered species.